drywood

Western Drywood Termite

Western drywood termite swarmers are about
7/16-1/2 in (11-12.5 mm) long, including wings,
which are 3/8 in (8.5 mm) or longer. Their head
and pronotum are orange brown, abdomen is dark
brown, wing membrane and pigmented veins are blackish. Swarming of
drywood termites, typically happens in September/October, in warm
sunny weather, after a sudden temperature increase. After swarming,
they find cracks or knotholes in nearby wood, gnaw a small tunnel, close
it, excavate a chamber, and mate.

Western drywood termites infest wood with a moisture content of 12%
or less. Drywood termites do not live in the ground nor require ground
contact. Colonies are located in the wood they eat, and are smaller than
subterranean termite colonies.

The western drywood termite produces fecal pellets, less than 1/32 in (1
mm) long, long, oval shaped with rounded ends, 6 concave sides.